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Over time, group members become a precious resource for each other. They provide a support network for specific problems or challenges. In meetings, people are encouraged to talk with each
other in a spontaneous and honest fashion. The psychotherapist, who provides productive examination of the issues or concerns affecting the individuals and the group, guides the discussion.
The group also provides a forum to explore feelings about the other people in the group in a safe setting, and then to think about how these feelings are related to one's life outside the group. The
group can be compared to being part of a family, where participants tend to take on the roles that they had in their family growing up. You will see rivalry, hostility, envy, anger as well as support,
bonding, cohesiveness, concern and helpfulness, all happening in the course of time in a good group. One difference, however, is that a skilled therapist is there to look out for problems and to help the
group to maintain a sense of safety for everyone.
People who can get particular help from group psychotherapy include those who are socially isolated, people who have had limited experience of close, nurturing relationships, those from
difficult, powerful or overwhelming families, people who have problems with authority, and people who lack social skills and the ability to relate well to other people. Group therapy can benefit many
different people, from those having difficulties with interpersonal relationships to those dealing with specific problems such as a serious medical illness, loss, or addictive disorders. It can be equally
useful for children, adolescents and adults. The Process of Joining When someone applies for participation in a Group Works group, a full individual assessment is
made. The psychotherapist selects people (usually 5 to 10) who would be helped by the group experience and who can be learning partners for one another. People are carefully matched with an
appropriate group. Groups meet once a week and sessions usually last ninety minutes. As with individual therapy, group therapy has strict rules about timing, socializing, taking holidays at the
same time as the group takes breaks, treating everything spoken about in the group as confidential, notifying the group of unexpected absences, and giving appropriate notice of leaving. Typically, group therapy is about half the price of individual therapy.
Insurance coverage is similar to individual therapy. Most managed care companies will cover group therapy much the same as individual therapy. There are low fee
slots based on need available in most of the groups. Be sure to inquire about this. Being Part of an Online Group As with the Group Works groups meeting in person, online groups are available for people who
would like to be part of a psychotherapy group, but who are unable to attend in person. Groups meet in a private
cyber room weekly at an agreed upon time and will be led by a licensed
Marriage and Family Therapist. Groups will be time-limited and only open to new members during interval breaks. All group members will be interviewed and accepted based on appropriateness to
the specific group. For more information and fees for joining a Group
Works psychotherapy group online, send an email. |
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Group
Works